Sammie Szmodics could be on the move from Ipswich Town this January, with the attacking midfielder enduring a frustrating campaign at Portman Road and several Championship clubs potentially ready to join Derby County in the race for his signature.
Ipswich have steadied themselves after a slow start to life back in the Championship and are now pushing toward the automatic promotion places. However, Szmodics’ struggles have been one of the biggest disappointments of their season.
The 30-year-old has yet to register a goal or assist in 13 appearances, although injuries have significantly limited his minutes.
After finishing as the Championship’s top scorer with Blackburn Rovers in 2023–24 with 27 goals, Szmodics has been hampered this season by recurring ankle problems, a knee injury, and illness, all of which have disrupted his rhythm and output.
According to the East Anglian Times, Derby County are monitoring his situation and could move if he becomes available, with former Blackburn boss John Eustace keen on a reunion. However, Derby are unlikely to be alone in their interest should Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna sanction a temporary or permanent exit.
With Szmodics reportedly earning around £25,000 per week, as per Capology, here are three other Championship clubs who could consider making a move this month.
Birmingham City
Birmingham may revisit their pursuit of attacking reinforcements after missing out on Chuba Akpom to Ipswich in the summer. Szmodics could be an appealing option, particularly with Kyogo Furuhashi struggling for output and potentially attracting interest from Celtic.
With Demarai Gray sidelined and creativity behind the striker an ongoing issue for head coach Chris Davies, Szmodics could help fill a glaring gap. While relations between Ipswich and Birmingham may still be strained following last summer’s dealings, a loan move could be worth exploring for a proven Championship scorer.
Blackburn Rovers
A return to Ewood Park would make sense on several levels. Szmodics flourished at Blackburn, scoring 27 goals and adding four assists in 2023–24 despite the club’s lower-table finish. Rovers sold him to Ipswich for around £11 million following their promotion, but a short-term loan reunion could benefit all parties.
Such a move would allow Szmodics to rediscover form in familiar surroundings, ease Ipswich’s wage bill temporarily, and provide Blackburn with a much-needed boost as they look to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.
Norwich City
This option would be the most controversial. Transfers between Ipswich and Norwich are rare, and tensions remain high following Marcelino Núñez’s £10 million switch between the rivals last summer — the first direct deal between the clubs in over two decades.
That said, Norwich are dealing with significant injury problems in attacking areas, with several key players spending extended spells on the sidelines. While Ali Ahmed has already arrived from Vancouver Whitecaps, reinforcements remain a priority at Carrow Road.
A move for Szmodics, even on loan, would be highly unlikely given the rivalry and recent history, but it would represent a bold response to Ipswich’s earlier raid and address a pressing need in Norwich’s squad.
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